The most significant effect of the Act was to amend the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act 1973, giving the Independent Broadcasting Authority the power to provide a second television station.

This began the process which would lead to the creation of Channel 4 in 1982.

It also made provision for the broadcasting of television programmes in Wales, and established the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.

It also allowed the government to take over control of the BBC in a time of national emergency.

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